Exploratory procedure cut short (4)

I believe the answer is:

scan

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'exploratory procedure' is the definition.
'scan' can be an answer for 'procedure' (I have seen 'Medical procedure' mean 'scan' so perhaps 'procedure' could also mean 'scan'). I am not sure about the 'exploratory' bit.

'cut short' is the wordplay.
'cut' means to remove the last letter.
'short' becomes 'scant' (synonyms).
'scant' with its final letter taken away is 'SCAN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scan that I've seen before include "Hercule ---, detective" , "Inspect" , "Run over" , "Study intently" , "Perusal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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